Klaus K Takes Helsinki To New Heights

 

With the launch of 30 new loft rooms, this summer sees the beginning of a new
chapter for Klaus K. The 171-room hotel, in Finland's capital, has been known for its innovation and cocreational projects since its launch in 2005, and the new additions are no exception. The rooms – 10 of which opened in July – are split across four categories with the crowning glory, the "Sky Suite", featuring a private
balcony. The hotel takes inspiration from Finland's national epic called the Kalevala, a tale teeming with desire, passion, mysticism, and envy. Elements of the 19th-century fable are woven throughout the interiors of the property, and are also present in the new rooms.

www.designhotels.com/hotels/finland/helsinki/klaus-k

Up On The Roof

The property, originally built in 1882 and once home to a girl's school, holds a prominent position in terms of location and heritage in the city. Introducing an additional two levels to the historic structure, the loft rooms are split into four categories. The "Sky Studios" face the quiet inner courtyard, the "Sky Studios with Balcony" (31 sqm/333 sq ft) boast park and city views, while the "Sky Lofts" (37 sqm/392 sq ft) have ceilings up to 4.5 meters, allowing natural light from the sky light windows to flood the rooms. Finally, the "Sky Suite" (65 sqm/700 sq ft) is
an ample room fitted with a unique egg-shaped bed – inspired by the Kalevala – a lounge with a games table, an expansive bathroom with a separate bath tub and rain shower.

 

The room also has its own balcony with outstanding views over the Boulevard and Esplanade Park. Guests also have the option of booking the private 100 sqm (1070 sq ft) roof terrace, the perfect spot for an intimate evening soirée. All of the rooms are furnished with light fittings by British designer Tom Dixon and interiors by Finland's leading designers Vertti Kivi dSign.

Something all of the rooms have in common is the feeling of a laidback residential apartment. This is further realized with the presence of a separate street level entrance which bypasses the hotel's reception and lobby.

 

Art Attack

Part of the design concept for the new rooms was an art and co-creation competition. The aim was to engage with urban street artists to produce bespoke graffiti for the new rooms. The competition received widespread recognition and a bounty of entrants from across the world. The winners, Sampo M and thirteen year old Santeri, worked closely with the hotel's design team to produce a series of unique artworks that now grace the corridors and walls of the suites.

About The Hotel

Located in the late 19th-century Rake building, the 171-room hotel is inspired by Finland's national epic, the Kalevala. This can be seen on an intimate human scale throughout the property. The hotel features several socializing spaces including The LIVINGROOM situated in the lobby of the property, the Ahjo Bar & Club and
restaurant Toscanini which serves delicious flavors from Tuscany.

Sky Loft rates from EUR 265.